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AMES' SERIES OF 

ARD AND MINOB DRAMA. 

No. .396 



Unele Jed s FMelity, 



{DBA MA. 



WITH CAST OF CHARACTERS, ENTRANCES AND EXITS, 

RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAG: 

DESCRIPTION OF COSTUMES AND THE WHOLE OF THE 

STAGE BUSINESS; CAREFULLY MARKED FROM 

THE MOST APPROVED ACTING COPY. 



v^^^—^^fo^ 



PRICE 15 CENTS. 



CLYDE. OHIO : 

AMES' PUBLISHING CO. 



JSJ 






No goods sent C. O. D. Mon^ MUST accompany all ord 



B^ 



ALPHABETICAL LIST DP 



^ 



ilmBB' Edition of Plays. 

^ TrvgXS.-'C •*• 

FIFTEEN GSNTS EACH UNLESS OTHERWISE MARKED. 



DRAMAS. 



M. F. 



294 
2 

164 
39 
43 
100 
125 
350 
89 
113 
226 
14 
321 
272 
160 
268 
310 
161 
60 
342 
343 
152 
279 
173 
143 
162 
255 
300 
357 

311 

283 

117 

52 

76 

141 

26 

191 

362 

337 

194 

3 

9 



335 

349 

355 

46 

227 

211 

251 

163 

91 

36 

34 



Arthur Eustace, 25o ,....10 4 

A Desperate Qame 3 2 

After Ten Years 7 5 

A Life's Revenge 7 5 

Arrahde Baugh 7 5 

Aurora Floyd 7 2 

Auld Robin Gray 25c 13 8 

By Force of Love 8 3 

Beauty of Lyons 11 2 

Bill Detriok 7 3 

Brae, the Poor House Girl.... 4 4 

Brigands of Ciilabrla 6 1 

Broken Links 8 4 

BeyondPardon 7 5 

Conn; or, Love's Victory 11 3 

Clearing the Mists 5 3 

Claim Ninety-Six (96) 25c 8 5 

Dora 5 2 

Driven to the Wall 10 3 

Defending the Flag 11 3 

Daisy Garland's Fortune 5 5 

Driven from Home 7 4 

Dutch Jake 4 3 

EastLynne 8 7 

Emigrant's Daughter 8 3 

Fielding Manor 9 6 

Gertie's Vindication 3 3 

Grandmother Hildebrand's 

London Assurance 9 3 

Legacy, 25c 5 4 

Gyp, The Heiress, 25c 5 4 

Haunted by a Shadow 8 2 

Hal Hazard, 25c 10 3 

Henrv Granden 11 8 

How:HeDidIt 3 2 

Hidden Treasures 4 2 

Hunter of the Alps 9 4 

Hidden Hand 15 7 

Josh Winchester 5 3 

Kathleen Mavourneen... 12 4 

Lights and Shadows ot the 

Great Rebellion, 25c 10 5 

Lady of Lyons 12 5 

Lady Audley's Secret 6 4 

Little Goldie. 25e 11 3 

Lost in London 6 3 

Miller's Daughter, 25c 7 6 

Mrs. Willis' Wil! 5 

MyPard 6 5 

Man and Wife 12 6 

Maud's Peril 5 7 

Midnight Mistake 6 3 

Millie, the Quadroon 5 2 

Miriam's Crime 5 6 

Michael Erie 8 2 

Miller of Derwent Water 5 3 

Mistletoe Bough 7 2 

Mountebanks (The) 6 3 

New York Book Agent 7 2 



NO. M. P. 

347 Our Country Aunt i 

223 Old Honesty 5 S 

81 Old Phil's Birthday 5 2 

333 Our Kittie 6 3 

85 Outcast's Wife 12 3 

83 Out on the World 5 4 

331 Old Wayside Inn, The 9 b 

196 Oath Bound 6 2 

29 Painter of Ghont 5 3 

2^8 Penn Hapgood 10 3 

301 Pelegand Peter. 25c 4 2 

18 Poacher's Doom 8 3 

2S0 Pheelim O'Rnckes' Curse 8 3 

5 Phyllis, the Beggar Girl 6 3 

110 Reverses 12 6 

4'^ Rock Allen 5 3 

363 Stub 8 3 

79 Spy of Atlanta, 25c 14 3 

?f5 Simple Silas 6 3 

2m Sweetbrier 11 5 

336 Squire's Daughter 5 3 

;?51 Thn Winning Hand 6 2 

144 Thekla 9 4 

318 The Adventuress 8 b 

234 The Coicmercial Drummer.... 6 2 

242 The Dutdi Recruit 25c 14 3 

67 The False Friend 6 1 

97 The Fatal Blow 7 1 

119 The BWty-Niners 10 4 

304 The General Manager 5 5 

93 The Gentleman in Black 9 4 

314 The Haunted i\5i!l 5 4 

112 The New Magdalen 8 3 

322 Tlie Raw Ref-ruit 6 

71 The Reward of Crime 5 3 

306 The Three Hats 4 8 

105 Through Snow and Sunshine 6 4 

201 Ticket of Leave Man 9 3 

293 T<.m Blossom 9 4 

193 Toodles 7 2 

277 The Musical Captain 15 2 

2(X3 Unele Tom's Cabin 15 7 

290 Wild Mab... ~ 6 2 

121 Will-o'-the-Wisp 9 4 

41 Won at Last 7 3 

192 Zion - 7 4 

TEMPERANCE PI.AYS. 

73 At Last 7 1 

75 Adrift » * 

187 Aunt Dinah's Pledge 6 3 

2n4 Dot; the Miner's Daughter... 9 b 

202 Drunkard [The] 13 5 

185 Drunkard's Warning 6 6 

189 Drunkard's Doom ..15 5 

181 Fifteen Years of a Drunk- 
ard's Life 13 4 

183 Fnaits of the Wine Cur/ 6 3 

104 Lost 6 2 



Unele Jed's Fidelity; 



-OR- 



The Returned Cowboy. 



A COMEDY DRAMA. 

IN THREE ACTS, 



BY — 



BRrt C, RawlGy, 



Author of "A)i Aristoci-afir Gent." ••Trl.vii'.'' ''Badly Mixed,^* "Our 
Summer Boarders,'' ''De-acoii Jones' ]Vife's Ghost,'* "Stupid 
Cupid," etc., etc. 



-0- 



TO WrTTCH IS ADDFD 

A DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUMES— CAST OF THE CIIARA.CTERS- 

EXTRANCES AXI* EXITS -RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE 

PERFORMERS OX THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE 

OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. 



Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1898 hy 

AMES' PUBLISHING CO., 
in the office of the Librarian of Congress at ^Yashington. 



AMES' PUBLISHING CO. 

CLYDE, OHIO: 



UNCLh: JlCirS FIDELITY. I^/uILLo 

CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

OoL. Geoffery Western, A stern parent. 

Jedediah Western, Known as ''Uncle Jed. ' 

James Shelden, {Poet Jimmy) a jolly cowhoy. 

Robert Shelden, In love with Isahi. 

Donald Reeves, A sjiake in the gras.'<. 

Peregrine Splatter, A man icith hrigJit idea-'<. 

Jasper, A colored gem'man. 

Officer 

Isabel Western, Col. Western's daughter. 

Charity, TJie icoman in Uack. 

Polly, In sympathy with Jimmy 



2579 



TIME OF PLAYING ~l hour and 45 rnlautes. 



COSTUMES— Moder^ 



, X- 



STAGE DIRECTION'S. 



R., means Right ; l., Left: r. h., Right Hand; l. n., Left Hand: 
c. Center; s. e., (2dE.,) Second Entrance ; u, B., Upper Entrance: 
M. D., Middle Door ; f., the Flat ; d. f., Door in Flat ; r. c, Righ. 
of Center; l. c. Left of Center, 

R. R. C. C. L. C. L. 

*^^* The reader is supposed to be upon the stage facing the audience. 






UNCLE JED'S FIDELITY. 



ACT I. 



SCENE.— A nicelij furnished room in the residence of Geoffrey Wes- 
tern— «^/a r. , chairs n. andh., table c, R. and l. entrance, door 
up c- curtained— 'Poi.i^Y seated at table, holding photograph of 
James. 

Polly, {throws photo on -floor, face dowmcard, pouting) There! I 
shan't never look at his face again; cause— cause— he don't love me. 
If he did, he'd write oftener. If he only knew how nice I've kept 
his photograph, perhaps he'd love me, but he's gone way off down 
in Mexico, to light the Indians and become a cowboy, and left me 
all alone to die. (crys) Boohoo! {drops head on table 

Enter, Jasper, c. e., does not see Polly. 

Jasper. It do beat all time whar' dat gal— (^•('^^ Polly) Oh! dar 
she am. I say Polly, dars a— Polly! Polly! {she does not answer) 
Now don't go for to play possum on dis chile; I've got good news foh 
you, sartin suah. 

Polly, {jumps up, Zk^ver jumps) Oh! it's you, is it! 

{starts toward him 

Jasper, {faintly) Yes, ma'am. Dars a — 

Polly. {interrup>ts) And you purposely disturbed me? 

Jasper. But dars a — 

Polly, {interrupts) I was engaged in computing the cost of a new 
bonnet, and now you — {starts toicard him) you insulting black 
scoundrel, have put me to the trouble of reckoning it over again. 

Jasper. Drefful sorry, ma'am., but dars a man to de door who 
wants to see you. 

Polly. A man, eh? What is he, life insurance, toilet soap, patent 
medicine, or what? Drive him away, quick, I say, or I'll call a 
policeman! 

Jasper. But, I tell you Miss Poll}' — ^ 

Polly. You've already told enough, sir! Go, tell him tliat he can 
go, sir! (Jasper at door) Be sure and watch him, and see that he 
don't mark the door post, for they do say that tramps mark the door 
posts, so the whole tribe Avill stop. 

Jasper, {at door) I don't keer if he tears de hul house down. 
Dis is de las' time I'll eber do a favor for you — 

Polly, {starts toward door) Shut up! {exit, Jasper, c. e.) That 
nigger Avill soon learn that I am capable of attending to my own 



4 UNCLE JED' 8 FIDELITY. 

aflFairs. {sits again) Oh! if my brave Jimmy iiad only boon liere fo 
protect me. {drop.s head on table, siejlis 

Enter, James Shelden, c. e., dressed as a cowboy, stoj)8 on seeing VoiJjY. 

James. "Ali! liu'ir slie sits in sweet repose, 
Bless liei- dear little heart ; 
With cheeks like the blooming rose, 
And kisses as sweet as cranberry tarts." 

Ahem! (Poj^i.y jam 2'>s vp 

Polly. How came you here, sir! and who are you? 

James. I came in the door, madam, and — 

Polly, (aside) Oh! that voice, it's James! {rusJies to 7dm, embraces) 
Oh! James, is it really you? 

James. {pui<he.'< Iter aicay, feigning surprise) Ah! Miss— ah — I am 
afraid you have made a mistake. I am a married man — 

Polly, {screams) Tiuni you're not my James? 

James. Only an insurance agent, madam, in whose face you in- 
structed the servant to slam the door. 

Polly, {nerrous) Am sorry, I'm sure, but the servant is so stupid, 
he might have mistaken my meaning. Then you're not James? 

James. I declare, madam, I'm not used to such sentimental treat- 
ment. I think 'twould not be best to insure you. You are slightly 
demented, I am sure.. 

Polly, {picks up photo, looks at it— aside) Oh! dear, what a re- 
semblance, {sighs) but then it's not James. 

Jumes. Ah! you have a photograph of James, eh? "Who is this 
J ames, some lover you have jilted, and now repent of 3'our folly? 

Polly. No sir! I did not jilt him, but he left me and went "WesI, 
and became a cowboy, the mean thing, to think of his fighting 
Indians. I never shall lo\e him any more. {drops photo 

James. But supposing he loves you just the same, and has re- 
mained true to you 

Polly. Well, I don't know such to be the case — 

James. AVell Poll}', such is the case. He loves you the same as of 
yore. Come to 'diis manly bosom. 

(Polly rushes to Mm, they embrace 

Polly. Oh! Jimmy, how could you deceive me so? 

James. Well, Polly, Avhy did you order me aw'ay from the house. 
Answer my question and 1 will answer yours. 

Polly. Oh! well, I didn't know— 

James. That it was me. Oh! it's all right, Polly; but I've heaps 
to tell you, of hair breadth escapes, bloodcurdling scenes, enacted 
[)n the broad and boundless prairie. ' {strikes attitude 

Oh! the prairie, the prairie. 

They do such things, they say such things. 

Of many a tragedy, a tragedy 

My oily tongue could sing, 

Of cowboys, bold, 

On fiery steeds, erect. 

Seeking riches manifold, 

In a manner you'd ne'er suspect. 

Polly.. Poetry of your own composition James? 



UNCLE JED'S FIDELITY. B 

Jnmp>< Ygs Pollv, my own fertile brain, concocted that nonsense. 
I used lo be' called '"Poet Jimmy" in the camp. Oh!- I've got so 
much to tell voii. Come with me out under those spreading maples 
and a stranoe tide I will unfold. ,„ . . 

Polly. Deliu'.iirai: and while you tell it, well imagine were on 
tho broad aiurboundless prairie. {exeunt, r. e. 

Enter, Kobi=:kt Siielden and Isabel AVestern, c. e. 

Bohevt. 1 don't know, Isabel, what ails me, but I feel cross and 
irritable just now, more like a savage than anything else, sine 
seeing your father. 

Iscihel. Oh, KobertI . , . . 

RoUrt. But I feel that way, Isabel, and a feeling of hatred comes 
over me, when 1 think how badly he has used me. 

Lsdbel. But Robert— 

Bohert. (.y<Y.s- l.) 1 know it's wrong to talk to you about your 
father in this manner, but I can't help it, it is best that you should 
know the attitude he assumes toward me, so if the worst comes — 

Lsdbel. But Hubert, you're not going to leave me? What did 
fat her "say to pa i n you so ? . 

Robert. AYhat didn't he say! Everything that was mean and in- 
sulting, and he actually called me a fool. 

Lsabel. But Robert, does that make you one? 

Robert. No, but it's rather embarassing to be styled such, and all 
for nothing, and Isabel, he even called me a beggar, and said that 
when he had a daughter to give to a beggar, he'd let me know. 

{noise out.sidc 

Lsabel. Oh! Robert, father is returning. Go, for it would not bo 
best to meet him again. 

Robert. But would it not be best for me to stay and— 

Lsabel. No! Go, if you have any respect for me. 

{exit, ROBEIIT, c. E. 

Enter, Geoffery Western, h. ■E.Jnriding habit, just as Robert e.vits. 

Geoffery. (c. , removing gloves) Ah I my dear, so you have had com- 
pany during my absence? 

Lsabel. Yes sir! a gentleman called. 

Oeoff. A gentleman! I thought it was Robert Shelden making a 
hasty exit as I entered. 

Lsabel. It was Robert, father. 

Geoff. I thought he would not call here again, after the very plai n 
hint I gave him recently. 

Lsabel. He told me all. 

Geoff\ Oh! he did. Well, is it his intention to keep up these 
calls, as you choose to style them? 

Lsabel. I don't know, I'm sure. 

Geoff. AVell, Isabel, it is high time that this foolish infatuation 
was brought to an abrupt close. 

Lmbd. '{rising) But father — 

Geotf. 1 sa V 'l his nonsense has gone far enough. Shelden is a good 
fellow, but he is poor as poverty. My child, I have selected your 
future husband. His name is Donald Reeves. Make up your mind 
to accept your father's choice. {(^-i^i'i, i^- k. 

Lxdbii. "Marry Donald Reeves, a man who drives fast hors(\s and 



6 UNGLE JED'S FIDELITY. 

has plenty of money, which he does not gain honorably, I know. 
Never! I am determined. 

Enter, Polly, c. b. 

Polly. Oh! Miss Isabel, did you see him? 

Isabel. Of whom are you spealving? 

Polly. Wliy Jim, of course. Why you ought to know Jim, he's 
Robert's brother. 

Isabel. So James has returned. Well, has his cowboy life agreed 
with him ? 

Polly. Oh yes, hugely, and he's got to be a sort of a poet. 

Isabel. Indeed! but where is James? 

Polly. Just what I came to tell you. He is in the kitchen and he 
wants to see you awfully bad, and I know he will recite some poetry 
for you. 

Isabel. Very well, we will go down. 

{exeunt, r. e. — great disturbance outside 

Jedediah. (outside) Don't mind me, I kin find the way. Je hokey! 
them stairs are tough on a fellers corns though! 

Enter, Jaspeii and Jedediah Western, r. e., ^cho is carrying a bag 

and a jug. 

Jasper. Dar sah! dis am whar you wish to stop, I spect? 

Jed. Don't mind me, I kin get along all right, although it's a 
little awkward in high sarsiety. I suppose this is your business, 
shovvin' folks around these premises? Well, don't mind me, I kin 
take keer of myself, I reckon. Jes take this jug of butter milk- 
Isabel is fond of slap-jacks, I know, and this bag of early- rose pota- 
toes down inter the kitchen, and if you should happen to see Geoft'ery 
on yer way down, send liim up. Don't mind me, 1 kin take keer of 
myself. 

Jasper, {takes jug and bag) Yes sah. {exit, c. e. 

Jed. Well by hokey, Geoffery's made a reglar palace out of this 
are residence, {sits in easy chair, bounds up) Oh! don't mind me, I 
kin get used to it. 

Enter, Isabel, l. e. 

Isabel. Oh! Uncle Jed, I am so glad you came. We did not ex- 
pect you. {kisses him 

Jed. No, I did come kinder sudden like. I get funny ideas once 
in awhile, but don't mind me. -You see I had some business ter do 
in town, so I tliought I'd drop in, thinkin' perhaps you might be 
glad ter see your old uncle. {sits 

Isabel. Glad! Of course we're glad. How are things on the farm 
and about the mill? How well I remember the pleasant hours I've 
spent there. 

Jed. Yes, child, it uster please me ter see you enjoy yourself, but 
I'm gettin old and gray, but don't mind me, come up again. How 
well I remember the time you and that Robert Shelden came up 
there. He was a mighty nice fellow, (Isabel turns aicay) and I 
sorter reckoned he thought a heap of you; but don't mind me, if I 



UNCLE JtW\< FIDELITY, 7 

say so. (Isabel sigh.'* 

Isabel. Yes, Uncle Jed, I remember that happy day, but I fear— 
Jed. Sorter soured on ye, has he? That's bad child. Remenibei- 
the course of true love never did riui smooth. 

Isabel. Oh! how true, Uncle Jed, but I persumo you wish to see 
father, I will go and find him. 
Jed. Don't mind me, child, there ain't no hurry. 
Isabel, l^ut I know you wish to see him. (ate. e., aside) Oh I if 
Uncle only knew my trouble: {exit, c. e. 

Jed. Somethm' wrong- with that gal. Can't be that fellow has 
soured on her So she's gone fer her father. I wonder how he will 
receive meV It's one year ago to-day since Ave had that infernal dis- 
agreement. 

Enter, Geoffery, c. e. 

(Jeddiah rises, extends Itand, ichich G'e.oyykhy refuses) "Well I declare, 
Ijrother, you're lookin' hale an' hearty as kin be. 

Geoff. Yes, Isabel informed me that you wished to see me. {sits 

Jed. Y>s, I wanted to talk over old times, an' tell of the changes 
up near the ole homestead. {sits 

Oeoff\ Now look here brother, drop thai subject at once. You 
have got the old homestead and it does not interest me one bit. 

Jed. Then you ain't got over yer foolishness of a year ago. \Yell, 
don't mind me, but you should have more respect for your old home. 

Oeoff\ Re.spect, eh! for a home from which I was literally driven. 

Jed. You're wrong, Geoffery, 'twas your infernal stubborness 
which caused, you ter leave on yer own accord. 

Geoff\ So be it. We'll not quarrel again. \Ye can't agree, never 
could. 

Jed, I alius agreed, but you was too flighty, but don't mind me. 
Suppose I'd quarrel with my own brother? Not much! Our posi- 
tions in life are ditferent. You seek society and it's pleasures, I 
seek the quiet life in the old homestead ; but don't mind me, I kin 
take care of myself. Do you know brother, I have set by the old 
mill stream, many a time, and watched the rollin' waters pass. 
"The mill will never grind Avith the water that has passed." You've 
said a good many harsh words about the old homestead and your 
poor old father, (Geoffery uneasy) who done all that a father kin 
do fer a son, an' your high ambition an' discontent has brought ye 
ter what ye are. 

Geoff\ Jed, we can not afford to quarrel again, but be careful 
lest this intervicAV terminate in such. 

Jed. AYe won't quarrel. I've never talked plain ter you before, 
but don't mind me. There'll come a time when the curse will come 
home ter ye, Geoffery. Remember brother, I bear you no ill will. 
I've just gave ye plain advice. Perhaps you may think it a fool's 
advice, but don't mind me. 

Geoff', {rises) No advice is necessary, Jed. I have always manag- 
ed my own affairs properly, I think, and have never been dictated 
to by others, (af c. e.) ]f you wish to give advice, give it where it 
is needed. {exit, c. e. 

J<d. It's impossible for us to agree* He's gone agin, and I'd 
phinncd lo fp]] h\m so much, {7'ises) but he won't hear to it. This ig 



8 UNCLE JED'S FIDELITY. 

no place for me, the old homestead with it's happy memories is 
where I belong. Geoffry might think the same as I, but lie is too 
proud, and lie can"l realize the true liappiness there is in brotherly 
love. Yes, I'll go bad. \o the old home, and toil on until death shall 
release me. {>itarts toward c. e.) But don't mind m.e, I kin take keer 
of myself. ' lai c. e. 

Enter, Isabel, c. e., meets Zy.T)^V)\a.\i. 

Isabel. Why Uncle Jed, you're not going already? 

Jed. {confused) Yes, girl, I'd 'bout made up my mind tor go 
home. 

hahel. But I thought you were going to stay a few d;iys? 

Jed. I did cal'late too, Isabel, but I got to— to thinkin' perhaps 
they'd need me at home. You kin live jes as happy here without 
me. 

Isabel. We might be happy, Uncle Jed, but father is so queer, at 
times, I cannot understand him. He has taken such a liking to 
Donald Reeves of late, Uncle. Do you know I can't like that man, 
and he professes to love me. 

Jed. My child, your Uncle Jed is getting to be an old man, an' he's 
found out good many ways of tlie wicked world. There's a Supreme 
Being watchin' over you day after day, an' lie'll see that justice is 
done. "Let not your heart be troubled," tlie good book says. 

Isabel. But Uncle, I could never become Donald Beeve's wife. 

(Reeves appears at c. e., stopts and listem^ 

Jed. {turns about) Donald Reeves wife, eh! God forbid, child! 
I'd rather see you dead than become the wife of Donald Reeves, a 
speculator in horses, a gambler. 

Enter, Donald Reeves, c. e, 

Donald, {steps c.) See here, you are using my name rather freel}'. 

(Isabel steps back 

Jed. Oh! don't mind me, Reeves, I hain't forgot how you pizened 
that horse over ter the Fair, simply because you thought your horse 
stood no chance to win. 

Donald. 'Tis false, sir! and your gray hairs is all that saves you 
from a good horse whipping, for such a base insinuation. Ah! ex- 
cuse me, Miss Isabel, I had forgotten your presence. 

(Isabel turns away 

Jed. Don't mind me, Reeves, but it's my opinion, that if you 
don't mend your ways, you'll be choked to death by the hangmen's 
rope, 

Isabel. Uncle, it is my desire that this unpleasant interview be 
brought to a close. 

Donald. Y^es, Miss Isabel, I am sorry that your Uncle has such an 
unpleasant opinion of me. I trust I shall be able to vindicate my- 
self. Now Miss Isabel, I desire to speak with you alone on a subject 
of vital importance. 

Isabel. Mr. Reeves, I am fully aware of the object of this visit, 
and it will giva me great pleasure if you will leave us. 

Jed. Yes, I know ther object of your visit, Donald Reeves! Now, 
Ihat you see that yer not wanted, why don't you leave? 

J)o7iald. Ah! Miss Isabel/ I §ee that you believe your Uncle's 



UNCLE JED'S FIDELITY. 

words in regard to my charaolfT. hnt T ho]).- I shall be able to show 
to vour worthy Uncle and tlie woihl. i!i:!! 1 am a oenlteman. 

Jed. I liave told this innocent cliiia \vh::l i knew to b^' 1ru*>.^ Do 
you suppose 1 would lie to one so near and dcai- to me? Xeverl you 
had better leave the house, Reeves, and sunc luiMlu'r l rouble. 

Donald. Your brother shall know of this base insult, and I refuse 
to leave the room at your bidding-, sirl but if Miss Isabel desires it, 
ril do so. 

Isabel. I have no desire to drive my father's guest Irom under- 
neath his roof. Remember Donald Reeves, you're not my guest, j 
wdl leave the room instead. 

Donald. But, Miss Isabel, will you allow me to accompany you? 

Jed. Not much, sir! (gives arm to Isabet/) I'm not to old yet ler 
take keer of the young and innocent, when a sarpent lies in their 
pathway. Good-day, Reeves. (rivit, Isabel and Jedediah, l. e. 

Donald. Curse that man's interference! The pretty Isabel must 
be handled carefully, but I trust the victory Avill be mine at last, 
(Charity appears at c. e., lieavily reiled, Donald sits c.) and yet there 
must be careful plotting, and — 

Filter, Chaeitv, c. e., co/nes down. 

CJiarity. Kind sir! could you direct me— (Donald ./?n;?j;^ up amazed, 
CaAiiiTY falls back) Ah! so it's you, Claude Demont. 

Donald. Claud Demont! Who dare's speak that name, (ronfmed) 
Why, my lady, there is some mistake, 1 fear — I — 1 know of no such 
a person. 

Charity. Oh! don't add another falsehood to the list. I\l know 
that face among a thousand. Can a woman fail to recogni/e her 
own husband? {throw.s vp rail 

Donald. Margaret Demont! 

Charity. Yes, Margaret Demont, j-our lawfully wedded wife. 

Donald. Sh! some one might hear! 

Charity. What care I, who hears! I have searched for you for 
years, enduring untold hardships, and now that I liave found you, 1 
mean to make you suffer? 

Donald. Ah! foolish woman, you're insane! 1 know you not! 1 
will call the servants and have you put out. 

Charity. Let us go back a few years, to the scene of a crime. 
Two men are struggling on the ground, one of them old and decrepit, 
the other young and strong. It is anamequal combat. The white 
haired man is murdered in cold blood. Do you recognize the pic- 
ture, Claude Demont! 

Donald. Hush, woman! Why do you come here to mock me? 

Charity. I come not to mock you, but for another purpose. I 
have it in my power to send you to the gallows. (drops' rail 

Donald. You lie, 3'ou she devil! You are an imposter! Regone, 
I say! 

Charity. My revenge is near at hand. Claude Demont! 

Donald, (grasps her by the throat) I'll choke out your miserable 
life. 



Id UNCLE JEJyS FIDELITY. 

Enter, Peregrine Splatter, c. e., qidcldy, lolih card on back, uhieh 
reads, ''Peregrine Splatter, Patent Pending.^'' 

Peregrine. Don't do it, it's risky! {\)01<>x\a:> jumps hack 

Charity, {at door) We'll meet again, sir! {exit, c. e. 

Donald. Well sir! wlio and what are you? 

Per. {turns around, showing back) Dear sir! I am the inventor and 
patentee of this unique sig-n board. Necessity compelled me to em- 
ploy this simple means of introduction. But say, you seemed badly 
confused here a moment ago. I know women like to be squeezed, 
but not so roughly. Who was that lady? 

Donald. An insane woman. It is necessary to use viok-nci' al 
limes, to restrain her. 

Per. Oh! well, poor women, she is to be pitied. I was once crazy 

after the girls; but now I have the greatest abhorence for th'p 
whole female population, since I have a beloved mother-in-law. You 
live here, I suppose? 

Doncdd. No, but my home is near by. 

Per. Wfll, perhaps you can give me information of the wliere- 
;; bouts of Donald Reeves? 

Donald. I answer to that name, sir! 

Per. {offers to shake hands) Glad to see yoa, I am sure. 

Donald, {refuses hand) Never shake hands with strangers, s!r! 

Per. Did you ever know Dan Fox? 

Donald, (startled) Dan Fox! But your not Dan Fox? 

Per. Only by proxy. You see, Dan has passed in his checks and 
transferred all outstanding accounts to me. AYe were chums Avhen 
he died. 

Donald. Yes, I used to know him when I resided in the West, as 
a jolly good fellow, but hateful and revengeful if provoked. 

Per. And you used to know an old gentleman by the name of 
Roman ie? 

Donald, {rises quickly) No sir! 

Per. {putting feet vp on table) Now look here, friend Reeves, I 
understand you perfectly. Now you murdered old Romanie — 

Donald. Silence, sir! I demand an explanation of this farce, sir! 
Who are you? 

Per. You will find my autograph on my back. As toi' your past 
life, I can give a complete history of the same from the time of your 
marriage and murder of old Romanie. Dan Fox imparted the same 
to me on his death bed. 

Donald, {aside) Another stumbling block, {aloud) Andyouhavi' 
never told it? 

Per. Never, sir! 

Donald. W^hat is your object in coming here? 

Per. I am collecting old coins, sir! that are not older than 1812, 
so if you have any later than that date, will give you value received, 
for the same. 

Donald. Money, eh? How much will it take to purchase your 

silence? . ,, 

Per. Two thousand dollars, payable in monthly installments ot 

five hundred dollars, and then if there is any odd jobs you wish done, 

just enough for exercise, yours truly will be on hand. 

Donald, {reaches in pocket, hands roll of bills) Well, there's twc 

hundred. That woman you saw in here, was my wife, Margaret! 



UNCLE JED'S FIDELITY. 11 

I vv ant her out of the way at once. 

Per. Well, if I hadn't happened along just as I did, I wouldn t 
have had this job, eh! Reeves? 

Donald. Hiishl someone is coming this way, we must not be seen 

here. 
Per. Lead on Hercules, I'll follow! (aside) And pluck you at last. 

{exeunt, c. e. 

Enter, Robert and ClEOFFEiiy, c. e. 

Eobert. (lays hat on table) Thai is tlie way you think to conquer 
Iier? You are a brave man to tlius impose upon a helpless girl! 
What do you mean, sir? 

Geoff. I mean that this silly nonsense of a love atfair between you 
and my daughter must be stopped. A marriage between you two is 
impossible. 

Jiobert. But tell me, Mr. Western, is Donald Reeves a favored 
suitor? 

Geoff\ Yes sir! so far as I am concerned, and Isabel will think 
tlilferently of him in time. 

liobert. And you consider this an honorable transaction, io tlms 
barter your daughter and wreck her future happiness? 

Geoff\ Donald will make an excellent husband — 

Eobert. I tell you he is a villain; I believe you both in league with 
the evil one, to drag Isabel to an early grave. 

Geoff. This is a serious charge, Shelden, have a care, lest you say- 
too much. 

Eobert. Too much cannot be said. I repeat, Donald Reeves is a 
villain and a scoundrel. 

Geoff. And I say, Robert Shelden, you are a fool, and not worthy 
1)1 the notice of an honorable man. 

Eobert. Mr. Western, your gray hairs alone protect you. I have 
listened to your taunts of late, till — 

Geoff', (grasps RoBE'RT by throat) We'll not mind the gray hairs, 
sir! 

Eobert. (raising fist) Release me, sir! or I'll forget that you're an 
old man. 

Enter, Isabel, c. e., quicldy. 

Isabel. Father! Robert! ((hey fall bade 

Eobert. 0'6>^■ws Isabel) Ah! forgive me, Isabel, for such conduct, 
but your father's words angered me so. 

Isabel. I forgive you, Robert. 

Geoff\ Isabel, you have seen your father insulted in his own house, 
b}^ the reprobate you choose to love. What think you now of him? 
Is he worthy of your love? 

Eobert. Mr. AYestern, place the blame where it belongs. 

Isabel. Father, is Robert alone to blame? 

Geoff. So you wish to shield him, eh! Very well, once more, 
Avhich will you love, respect and obej', me or Robert Shelden? 

Eobert. No, Colonel Western, she shall not — 

Geoff\ (interrupting) We have heard from you, sir! My daughter, 
if it is your intention to cling to that reprobate, you are no longer a 
child of mine. You may leave my house forever! 



12 UNCLE JED'S FIDELITY. 

(Isabel iceeps on Robert's hoaom 
Enter, jEDEDiAn, c. e., with jug, sets same down. 

Jed. Fill o-oin' folks, Uiou;ul)t Tddrop in an' bid you all good-b3'e. 
Why Isabel, wiuil's Ihc nicaiiiii-i- oL' lliose tears? 

(jeojf. It iiK^ans IIkH yomi;;' coward has whispered words of love 
ill her ears, iinlil lie li:is iiuulc ;i fool of lier, and lias compelled me to 
disown my only child. S!)(^ is no longer a child of mine. 

Jed. AVhall And you the man I've called brother all these j^ears, 
disown your only child, Avho is as pure as the lily? Shame upon 
sucli a man! 

Geoff. I am determined! Go, I say I both of you, and may I never 
set e^-es on you again! 

Robert. No, Colonel Western, she shall never become my wife un- 
1 il vou give your consent, and I shall prove to you that I am worthv 
of her. 

Jed. Brave boy, Robert. 

Geoff\ ■{quickly) You too uphold them in their deviltry! Back to 
I he old farm is the place for you! 

Jed. Yes, back to the old liomestead I'll go, Geoffery. Avhere you 
should have staid and perhaps this sad scene never would have hap- 
pened, 

(reoff. No more preaching! I am waiting for you to go! 

Isabel, {coming down) Oh! father, how sad my x)Oor mother in 
hiniven must feel, as she looks down upon this scene. 

Geoff. Don't touch me, ungrateful girl! Go, I say! 

{shefcdls in .Iedediah's arms 

Jed. Yes, Geoffery, she shall go, and to my home. It's not one of 
hixury, but she shall receive the best of care. You've played the 
i'ool Geolfery, and when this fool Donald Reeves, has dragged you 
down, you'll repent and seek your Isabel. I'll keep her for you, 
brother, as pure as if she Avere my own child, until you call for her. 

TABLEAU. 

Robert l., 'with head down, Isabel at door, icith Jedediaii, sadly gaz- 
ing back, Geoffery defiant. 

CUB TAIN. 



ACT 11. 

SCENE II. — The interior of U^sci.'E Jed' ii flour mill, barrels and bags 
piled R. and i>. — ujjper entrance, n. and l. entrances — 7oindow at 
back, through •whicJi may be seen a large water-ioheel 

Enter, Jedediaii and James, c. e. 

Jed. Well, James, so you've got through shootin' injuns, eh? 

James. You bet, Mr. Western, there's more desirable occupations 
open for strong robust fellows like myself. 

Jed. I alius said, Jim, that you was built for somethin' more 
elevatin' than an' injuu fighter. Don't mind me, but sometimes 
folks get slipped up iii their expectations. 



UNCLE JED'S FIDELITY. 7.9 

Jamea. Sure enough, ^Nlr. AYeslern ; but there's many a youth 
taken tlie course I did. Dime novels hnl nu' into this life, and I took 
a hand at it. 

Jed. Yes, you remember Seth Franklin, used to live neighbor to 
rae, used to spend his time writing on "How to be a successful far- 
mer," and Ids farm went to rack an' ruin in ther meantime. Hf> 
final'ly busted up an' started for the AVest, all of a sudd<'n, ini" lu-'s 
never been heard from since. 

James. Singular that was ; but do j'ou know, Mr. Western, I met 
a man in my travels, that reminded me very much of Seth Franklin, 
but of course it wasn't him. He went by the name of Dan Fox. ! 
think. 

Enter, Pehegrixe, c. e.. quicldy- 

Per. (c.) Dan Fox, eh! Knew^ him, did you? {aside) Jimmy 
Shelden, as sure as fate. 

Jed. We ain't in the liabit of bein' interrupted by strangers, sir! 

Per. 'Twas a l)reach of etiquette. Fll allow. I'll introduce my- 
self, (turns bad,-) This simple means of introduction is my own in- 
vention, of which I am the sole owntM-. manufacturer and retailer. 
Xow that Fm introduced, I'll proceed at once. You were speaking 
of Dan Fox, I believe? 

James. Yes sir! and a right smart fellow he was; I saved his life 
once. 

Per. Did, eh! Y'ou never can do it again, He's gone, passed in 
his checks, in other words, dead. We were chums for months, until 
at last he was called to his last rest. But Fm olf again. E.xcuse me 
for interrupting, but 1 was passing b}^ and overheard Dan's name, 
and so I stepped in. Good-day. {e.vit, v. e., quicklt/ 

Jed. Thunder and bees wax, but he's a queer sort of a critter. 

James. Well I should say, undoubtedly slightly demented, but do 
you know, Mr. Western, I came near forgeting what I came here 
for this morning. 

Jed. Oh well, don't mind me, I don't want ter keep yer — 

James. Xo, no, I came up to look over the mill. 

Jed. Did, eh? Well then you shall see it. Come right along, I 
kin show j'ou every nook an' corner. (exeunt, e. e. 

Enter, Robekt, c. e. 

Bolert. '-He'll not have her marry a beggar!" How those cruel 
words ring in my ears. Never before did I realize that there was a 
gulf between Isabel and 1 — the wretched gulf of poverty. Oh! if 
there was only some way for me to acquire wealth, {Qb.m\yyy appears 
at c. E.) x>erhaps it might result in our speedy marriage. 

Enter, Charity, c. e., comes down. 

Charity. Talk not of wealth my lad, 'tis a cnrse. (Robert backs 
off) Don't stare at me so, my lad, I am harmless. I know your 
secret — and as for the girl, she loves you dearly. Are you a coward, 
that you sit idle, and behold the girl you love, ruined by a serpents 
sting? Come, arise, while you are loitering, your wealthy rival is 
doing all in his power to ruin your prospects. 

Bobert. Woman, are you mad? 



tJ^. UNCLE J h:ir^ FIDELITY. 

Charity. Ko, I came to wai-ii you that there is a serpent in your 
path, -which if not removed, will sting- you to death. 1 warn you to 
watch the man whom you hale. 

Robert. All! woman, what can you know [in regard to Donald 
Reeves? 

Charitt/. Enough to send him to the gallows. 'Tis a' sad story. 
To-day 1 know your secret, to-morrow you shall know mine. Meet 
me to-morrow in the woodland below here, and I will tell you my 
secret, (starts to go 

Robert. But madam, why nut disclose the same — 

Charity. No, do not detain mo, T can disclose no more. 

{exit, c. E. 

Robert. A mysterious woman 1 She lias gone. If I only knew the 
mystery, but I shall know all to-morrow. 

Enter, Donald, c. e, 

Donald. Ah! Shelden, so you still cling to the fair Isabel? '"^e 
thought you could take the hint Avithout the kick. 

Robert. I still have the same kind regard for her, and perhaps I 
love her — what is that to you? 

Donald. But Shelden, can you not see that you're not wanted? 

Robert. Colonel Western has seen tit to despise me on account of 
my poverty, but Isabel still remains true. 

'Donald. ^ But have you never thought that she might, in time, learn 
to love another? 

Robert. Impossible, sir! 

Donald. Stranger things than that have happened, Shelden. The 
dear Colonel already favors me, and I count that half the game. 

Robert. Donald Reeves, your true character reveals itself ; and 
thus you Avovild trifle with a woman's heart! 

Donald. 1 shall do as I choose. I shall court the fair damsel and 
who knows but what the courtship may end in marriage, eh! Shelden? 

Robert, (sternly) I swear it never shall, Donald Reeves! 

Donald. Don't work yourself into a passion, Shelden, "All's fair 
in love and war!" You know my intentions, Shelden, now make 
the most of them. 

Robert. Do you suppose, Donald Reeves, I will stand by with 
folded arms and allow you to blast my fondest hopes, and ruin the 
one I love? Never, sir! 

Donald, (sneering) Brave lad, I'm sure. 

Robert. Now you know my intentions, make the most of them! 

Donald. AYe will understand each other at once, Shelden. Is it 
war or peace? It is for you to say. 

Robert. AYar sir! lo the bitter end. 

Donald, (starting toward l. e.) Yery-well! Look ye well to j^our 
intentions. (exit, l. e. 

Robert. A snake in the grass, indeed. How can Colonel Western 
ever tolerate his presence, and to think that he intends him to marry 
Isabel. No, he shall not, I'll take her away from this place at once. 
But where would I go? Again that terrible gulf of poverty ya^\vns 
before me. It Is more than I can bear. {exit, e. e. 



UNCLE JED'S FIDELITY. 15 

Enter, Jedediah and James, l. e, 

James. I'm a thousand times' •obliged for your trouble, Mr. 
Western. 

Jed. ])ou't mind me, James, nothiu' else to do to-da}'. The old 
mill has ceased it's clattering for a time, as the mill is bein' repaired. 
Come over ag'in, an' there's a heap more things I'd like tershow ye, 
an' there's your brother Rob., I've taken an orful likin' to him of 
late, bring him long too. He'll enjoy it. 

James. Don't know Jed, about that. He seems terribly despondent 
of late. The treatment he has received at your brother's hands, has 
completely unbalanced him, I suppose Isabel is nearly heart broken ? 

Jed. Yes, bless her heart, for two or. three daj^s she was dredfully 
despondent. James, there's an allwise providence watchin' over us. 
Sometimes the clouds gather thick an' fast. This matter will 
straighten out in time, an' we'll all be happy. I feel it in my bones. 

James. I hope so, Mr. Western, I hope so. 

Jed. The course of true love never did run smooth. I tell ye 
.lames, this love makin' is worser than the cholera morbus, 

James. Yes, but I like a little mixed in with the cholera morbus 
at intervals. 

Jed. {laugJts) Don't mind me, Jim, I was young mj'self once ; but 
say, I've got the finest lookin' lot of squashes you ever sot eyes on. 
I've got two picked^out to take to the fair this fall, an' if they don't 
take a premium, then I don't know. Come on an' I'll show 'em 
to ye. {exeunt, r, e. 

Enter, Donald and Peregrine, c, e, 

Donald. Now look here. Splatter, that accursed woman must be 
got out of the way, or not another cent do you get. She will spoil all 
my plans. 

Per. (sits) You're a brilliant plotter, Reeves, I admire your tact. 
Do you know, if it were left to me to decide which had the most 
brains, you or a jack-ass, I should sslv — 

Donald, {interrni^ting) Sir! 

Per. {rising) You had, of course. You don't belong to the four 
footed race, and of course, should not be classed as such. Now in 
i-egard to the money business ; I could use another thousand very 
i'.andily. 

Donald. What! Me give you another thousand? Never, sir! 
AVhathave you done since I gave youthe«ther thousand? Absolute- 
ly nothing! 

Per. Ah! you forget that I have kept this organ closed {points to 
mouth) and saved you from the gallows. 

Donald, {sneering) But who would believe such an unlikely story ? 
I have influence in this community, sir! and they would not believe 
your story. 

Per. Ikit suppose the woman in black— your'wife, should choose 
to corroborate my story, what then Reeves? Better hand over the 
money and let the matter drop. 

Donald, {throics money at liim) Take it, but I tell you, it's the last 
cent you'll get— till— till you put that accursed woman out of my 
pathway forever! {^u^ j^ e. 



16 UNCLE JEjys FIDELITY. 

Per. {picldng v.p money) Aiiollir-r draw on the bank! All o-recii- 
backs too, but how that (inorhiui/) accursed woman does bother 
Reeves. I can't see how a niiin can iuite his wife so; but he wants 
her out of the way, eliV lly JdntI I have it! Why not put In-r lo 
sleep, so to speak, 1 hav(^ some t-fputation as a hypnotist, and then 
drag her to some secluded spot, and leave her to die pf stiirvat ion. 
{shakes Mmself) Why! 'tis a sickly mess, but I'll do it. even if it 
costs me my — reputation. Ah! someone approaches, I'll conceal 
myself. Perhaps 'tis my victim. {hides beMnd barrels, u. 

Enter, Jasper, c. e. 

Jasper. Dis chile nebber felt so much like committin" suicide or 
blackmail as I do dis minute. Since Miss Isabel done left, Polly has 
done noffin' but cry an' take on de hull time, an' Massa Western, lie's 
so cross; but I do tliink he's goin' to repent of his rashness, an' 
welcome Miss Isabel back ag'in! If he did, wouldn't dis chile rejoice 
dough? Weill recollect— 

Per. {looks Old, aside) Ah! 'tis a dark subject, but I'll try my 
powers over him, and if I succeed, so much the better, {comes doicn, 
lookiJig at J ASFEii sharp /(/) Ah! I recognize you at a glance. Why 
did ye come back from the grave? {makes ludicrous gestures 

Jasper, {surprised) Youh — youh mistaken sah! I ain't no — no 
corpus! 

Per. Then you deny this terrible crime. Pemember sir! that I 
was present when you murdered your mother-in-law, and not satis- 
fied, then you pitched at your sister and nearly strangled her. 

Jasper, {backing off) I)at ain't so, sah! i nebber murdered my 
mudder-in-law and den pitch her into de cistern wid de angle worms. 
It's a case of mistaken identity. 

Per. {sneering) Ha! ha! you play the part well! Your brother 
has already confessed — 

Jasper. I tole you, you was alludin' to de wrong chap. I nebber 
had no brudder, sah! 

Per. Oh! so much the better! The chain of circumstantial evi- 
dence is fast tightening about your worthless body, and soon you 
will be led to the gallows and there suspended till you are dead, {yells) 
dead, I say! 

Jasper, {scared) What, me, who is as innocent of crime as a 
spring chicken, to be suspended by my gallowses till I'se deader dan 
a door nail? ^ 

Per. Exactly, sir ! Are you prepared to enter into the other world ? 

Jasper, {bravely) Now look heah, feller, fun is fun, but when you 
go to gettin' x>ersonal, dis ch. i!e aiii't goin' to stan' it. 

Per. Go! I can bear your ]^resence no longer ; go, tell the whole 
world that you have seen the gi'eatest living hypnotist. Go, I say! 

Jasper, (at door) Yes, I'll tell d(> h nil world dat I've seen de debbil. 

{exit, c. E. 

Per. (c, noise outside) Ah! some one approaches. Back to my 
liiding place. {hides behind barrels, ii. 

Enter, Isabel, l. e., carrying boquet. 

Isabel, {sits €., sighs) No one can realize the full meanfng of 
home, until they are deprived of it. Uncle Jed is so kind to me, 



UNCJ.E JEir^ FIDELITY. 17 

bill his liouse is not home, homo where my dead mother taught me 
many kind lessons, and lather used to be so kind. How could he be 
so cruel as to drive me away— away— (iceeps 

Enter, Donald, r.e. 

Donald. Ah! Miss Isabel, it pains me to see you in tears. 

{tips hat 

Isabel, {rising) Your sympathy is not needed, sir! I desire you 
to leave my presence at once! 

Donald. Miss Isabel, how can you be so cruel? I have longed to 
speak with you alone on the subject which lies nearest my heart. 

Isabel. I'il not listen, sir! {rises 

Donald. But, Miss AYestern, why is it you look upon me with 
scorn? Have I ever acted otherwise than a gentleman in your 
presence? 

Isabel, {hesitates) Ko — I think not. 

Donald. Ah! you give me hope, Miss Western! {seizes her hand) 
Isabel, can you not see that I care for you — love you! 

Isabel, {starts back) Sir! 

Donald. Do not scorn me, Isabel — 

Isabel. Stop I say! How dare you speak words of love to me? 

Donald. Because I love you madly, Isabel, 

Enter, Robert, l. e., stops quickly. 

andxfan withold the truth no longer. Isabel, is not my love honora- 
ble/? 

llobert. Far from it, Donald Reeves. Ah! you play your cards 
v/ell. 

Donald. So you sneak around, eh! like a thief in the night. Miss 
Isabel, this is the man you profess to love? Does his conduct speak 
well for a gentleman? 

Robert. Refer the question to yourself, Donald Reeves. Is your 
conduct at all gentlemanly? Can you not see that vour presence is 
distasteful to the lady? 

Isabel. Gentlemen, there must be no quarreling here, I forbit it. 

Robert. No, we'll not talk further if it's your wish. I will accom- 
pany you to the house. {offers arm, ,shr takes it, exit, loth l e 

Donald. Curse the luck! How beautiful Isabel is. I never quite 
realized it before; but that Robert Shelden, curse him! he is a 
stumbling block. I'll not endure such treatment another instant 
I'll follow them and demand satisfaction. {starts toward l 

Per. {comes down from behind barrels) Don't do it, Reeves, don't do 
it. 

Donald. Oh! it's you, is it? What right have you to interfere in 
my atfairs? 

Per. Your affairs, eh? Can you not see that young Shelden has 
»'ot her, soul, heart and all? She don't care one whit for you, Reeves 

Donald. That cursed Shelden is to blame for it all, and I shall 
nave satisfaction. {starts again 

Per. Wait, Donald, you're a foolish man! 

Donald. I've no time to loose, sir! with such as you! 

o T * Ti , P , {starts again 

lei. 1 tell you, you're foolish. She'll never marry you— besides 



IS UNCLE JED\^ FIDE J ATT. 

you have aiiolher one to lake care of now. I tell you, you shan't o-ol 
Donald. Sir! 1 care not for your threats' " '^ {starta again 

Per. {draws revolcer) (jio at your peril, sir! You mean to mar the 
liappiness of two human beings, perhaps forever. It's all wrong-, and 
I'm goin' to see justice clone. Two's a company an' three's a crowd, 
Reeves. Peregrine stand-^ c. with leveled revolver, Reeves, l., coiced 

CURTAIN. 



SCENE If. — Woods scene — Peregrine discovered seated on camp stool. 

Per. {reading note) "Splatter, the woman in black is thwarting 
all my plans." {aloud) He can't say wife to save his soul. "Get 
her out of my way to-day, or not another cent do you get. Out of 
my w^ay forever, I say." {throws note, on ground) It does beat all 
how that woman does pester Reeves, 'fhon he intends to close the 
bank, if I fail to connect? Then open goes this flytrap. It's been 
shut a good many years, but if it's ever set in motion, it's liable to 
cause a terrific cyclone in this vicinity, {picks up note, puts i?i pocket) 
I'll keep you for future reference. 1 wonder if Reeves really thinks 
that I'll resort to murder in this case? Never will I stain my hands 
in blood, friend Reeves, {looks l.) Ah! speak of the devil, and you 
know the rest, (.rises 

Enter, Donald, l. e., Imrriedly. 

Donald, (c.) Look here. Splatter, something must be done at 
once. I say at once! 

Per. I heard you say it, and I was just v/onderin' why you wasn't 
doing it while you were telling me of it. 

Donald. Xow look here. Splatter, I am getting hear til}' sick of 
your nonsense. It's high time we have an understanding. 

Per. Oh! I understand you perfectly, Donald Reeve, and I un- 
stand that you consider me a sort of tool in your hands. The 
quicker you dispel this thought from your mind, Reeves, the quicker 
we'll understand each other. If your wife — or the woman in black, 
as you choose to call her, molests you, it's no affair of mine. 

Donald. Then you refuse to do my bidding? 

Per. Now look here, Reeves, you wish to have this woman put 
out of the way, in short, to murder her, and furthermore, you wish 
me to do the deed. I say, no! my neck is long enough Avithout being 
stretched. 

Do?iald. Very well, you have proven yourself a false friend, and 
not another cent do you get from me. 

Per. Friend, eh! Did I ever profess to love you to that extent? 
(Jod help me if I ever did. I know your secret, Donald Reeves, your 
shining gold has kept it. No gold, no helpee, Reeves! {laughs) 
That's Chinese, but it goes allee samee. (sittf 

Donald. And I heartily wish you would go, I care not Avhere, that 
I might never see your face again. Dan Fox must have been hard 
up for friends, when lie came across yon. {exit, l. k. 

Per. Dan Fox knew his business, my cunning friend, and some 
day something may turn up to prove it. Look well to your secret, 
Donald Reeves, lest you are cauglit in a storm that will completely 
overwhelm you. 



UNCLE JED'S FIDE LIT r. 19 

Enter, Polly, i{. e., crying, ruhhing eyes. 

Polly. The cruel thing, I shan't never love him an}- mo':Q—{iceeps) 
boo-hoo. He's gone an' left me, an' I can't find him. 

Per. {aside) Ah I she's looking for me perhaps. Wha-t a deuced 
pretty girl, an' so young, too. Brace up Splatter, (aloud) Ah I fair 
damsel, would thou tell me the cause of tliose tears? 

Polly, (surjjrised, sees Veukgui^) Sir! 

Per. Ah! fair maid, fear not, I'm not the Cardiff Giant, I'm per- 
fectly harmless. 

Polly, (sobs) Well— who— who are you? 

Pe7\ Most anybody, fair maid : but if I understand rightly, you 
liave lost something or somebody? 

Polly. None of your business if I have. 

Per. Ah! fair maiden, I see j^ou are angry -svitli me. Did — did 
you ever read the book Cinderella? 

Polly. Anything 'bout Indians, is it? 

Per. No, not exactly, but it tells of a beautiful maiden, and do you 
know, you remind me of Cinderella. 

Polly. I don't care, I like to read about Indians the best, and 
about brave cowboys, how they carr}- innocent young girls off to 
some cave, an' then get married. Them's my kind of stories. 

Per. You don't say? (takes novel from pocket) Here's the latest 
edition of the Star Library, "Red Nosed Mike, the Terror of Peanut 
Ridge." 

Polly, (snatches it from Ids hand) Give it to me, quick! 

(she looks it over eagerly 

Per. You got it, thank you. 

Polly. Oh! isn't this nice. The hero has just shot an Indian, who 
was concealing the hero's betrothed. Now the hero is flying to the 
villian's cave for revenge. (^c» Pekegrin) Oh! Mister, fly with me 
to some hidden cave, wliere we can And this living monster. 

Per. (backing up) Me fly with you to some cave? Why madam, 
I'm no air ship, and besides — I — I have a wife and thirteen children. 

Polly. A wife and thirteen children, and I — I believed you were 
single! (stamps foot) Oh! you villain, I'll not sleep until I have pro^ 
claimed to the whole world what a heartless wretch you are! 

(exit, R. E. 

Per. Gee whiz! another speculation busted. Well, by the time 
she gets that novel read, she!ll be a full fledged wild west show, I'm 
thinkin'. 

Enter, James, l. "e.. ,' hurriedly . 

James. Ah! there she goes, I cannot see how I missed hor.' 

Per. Say, my friend, does that girl belong to you? 

James. No, not exacth^, but I expect to have an interest in her 
some da.y. 

Per. I'll give 3'ou good advice, friend James, get your life insured, 
sharpen up your tomahawk aud load your revolver, before you get 
married, you may need them — for — for — women are queer at times. 

James. Some of them are, but Polly is all right. I declare, she is 
nearly out of sight. I must catch her. (exit, b. e. 

Per. If she's reading that novel, he'll about come to the couclu- 



^■J UNCLE JED'S FIDELITY. 

bion that she's out of sight. Well, time flies and so must I. 

{exit, L., 1 E., singing ''JSfeedles Eye.'" 

Enter, Geoffeky, l., 2 e., icith walking stick. 

Geoff, (doidg) Each step brings me nearer the old home. Ah! 
how true brother Jed's words have proven: "The curse will come 
home to you, brother," and oh I how soon. Oli! Isabel, this rasli 
deed has broken your poor old father's heart. Why did I turn you 
:i way ? {looks l.) What do I see ! Isabel and Robert Shelden coming 
1 ids way. Oh! he has caused all this misery and shame, and si. e 
still clings to him. Ah! heartless child, you have chosen between 
your father and this reprobate. So be it, I'll leave you to your fate. 

{exit, 11. , 2 E. 

Enter, Robeiit and Isabel, l. e., in traveling dress. 

Isabel, {looks hack) Oli! Robert, I cannot help but think — 

Robert. There, Isabel, you are liesitating again. I cannot bear to 
see you remain here any longer. We will flee from here to wliere we 
can live happily and unmolested, 

Isabel, liut Robert, wliat would father say when lie learned tliat 
we liad ran away togetlier? 

Robert. What would lie sny? He can say no more than he has 
already, Isabel. 

Isabel. And Uncle Jed, wliat would he say/ (Jkdkdiah w AmnZ 
ichistling off i\.) Why Robert, he is coming this way now. Come 
away Robert, I can not meet him. 

Robert. No, Isabel, 'tis best that he should know all. 

Enter, Jedediaii, ii. e., carrying a scythe, wliistUng. 

Jed. Ah! good day, children. I've been hayin' it a little, but 
don't mind me. I declare, you both look as sober as a goose in a 
cyclone. Don't mind me. (Jo an' enjoy yourselves; but I tell ye 
Bob, it's mighty tough getting long up to the house when Isabel is 
away. Seems as though the old house had lost all its charm, and 
she's (Isabel wfe) only been with me a little while, {starts along) 
There, there, Isabel, don't mind me, I couldn't helpsayin' it. Don't 
cry, I say, I'll not stop ye any longer. {darts to cut, l. e. 

Robert. Ah! Mr. Western, Isabel and I have decided to go away. 

Jed. {coming doiui, puzzled) Go— go-ing away? 

Robert Yes, we're going away, away from these unpleasant 
memories, to other lands where we can live peacefully as man and 
wife. 

Jed. {starts) M&n and wife?' Isabel, tell me that it's not true, 
tell me that I did not hear aright, {choking) No— no Isabel, you're 
not married to— to Bob? 

Isabsl. {starts toward him) No, no! 

Robert. No, Mr. Western, we're not man and wife. Cruel fate 
has kept us apart. 

Jed. Thank God! 

Robert. What? You too turn against me? I at least counted 
you a friend. 

Jed. Y^es, Bob, I'm your best friend. Children, I'm glad I met 



TINGLE JED'S EiDELlTY. U 

you just as I did. "Rob. T wouldn't thought you'd a done this, after 
you'd known thai I'd uiveu my sacred promise to take keer of an' 
purtect Isabel, luul you lorgot your promise too. Brother Geoffery 
Iniin't give his consent to your marriage, Bob, and I can't let 
{chokes) her go no how, she seems like my own child. 

llohert. Perhaps I have done wrong- Uncle Jed, but your brother 
has wronged me so. 

Isabel Robert, we'd best not go. We'll wait and perhaps the dark 
c-louds which hover over us, may pass away and the beautiful sun- 
shine greet us on all sides. 

Jed. Yes, my child, God tempers the wind to the "shorn lamb," 
and Robert, perhaps you may thank your Unele Jed some day for 
this interference. Come back to the old home with me, both of ye, 
and Ave'll kill the fatted shanghai rooster, and forget the unpleasant 
things of this life. 

liobevt. Yes, Uncle Jed, we'll go back, and as we go, we'll hope, 
yes, and pray that God will guide us in the future. {exeunt, l. e. 

Enter, Chauitv, e. e. 

Charity. (looJcing i,.) A happy trio indeed. Ah! Donald Reeves, 
are you a blind fool, that you seek to mar the happiness of so worthy 
a couple? 

Enter, Donald, l,, 2 e., hacking in, does not see Charity. 

Donald. Ah! there they go arm in arm! Curse that vagabond- 
Robert Shelden, but I'll not be balked in this race. The fair Isabel 
shall be my wife. 

Charity. Not if I can prevent it, Donald Reeves! 

Donald, (whirls about) Eaves dropping, eh? (starts toioard her, 
aside) I'd like to strangle her. 

Charity, {raising Jiand) Do not touch me, sir! 

Donald, (sneering) Oh! I'm harmless, my dear. (quicJdy) Now 
look here, my fine "lady, I want to know just what you intend to do, 
(sneering) so that I may be prepared to meet your — your demands? 

Charity. I mean to expose you, sir! I can see your intentions 
plainly, and I warn you to repent while there is yet time. The 
young lady you (mochingly) profess to love, is as much above you, as 
the stars above the earth. 

Donald, Perhaps so, but it's no concern of yours. I tell you T 
shall court the lady, and if it results in — in marriage, very well, 
Western has the rocks, that is sufficient, 

Charity, (starts ii.) It shall never be, Donald Reeves, I'll go to 
the lady this very hour, and expose your many crimes. What do 
you suppose she will say when I tell her that you are a murderer? 

Donald, (drawsknife) You'll never live to tell such astory, madam. 
The game is too far gone to be upset now, I am determined, (rushf.s 
for her, she screams, he stabs her, she falls c, he drops knife, falls bark 
nervoKsly) I had to do it. 'Twas the only alternative, (looks h.) 
Ah! Robert Shelden is approaching. The knife bears his name; now 
to I'asten this crime upon him, I'll send for an officer. (exit. n. k. 



S3 UjVCJJ'J JED'S FIDELITY. 

Enter, Robert, l. e., does not see Charity. 

Bohert. It is singular that it sliould slip my mind. I was to have 
met the woman in black here, (see^ Charity) What! {kneels) Yes, 
'tis she — murdered! {'picks up knife) Yes, murdered b}^ some cruel 
assassin. 

Enter, Donald, r. e. 

Donald. A very interesting tableau indeed. 

Robert. Donald Reeves, there has been murder done here. -Per- 
haps you know more than you choose to tell. {drops knife 

Donald, {feigns Jurprise) Murder, eh! I declare, it's that strange 
woman, too. 

Robert. Not much of a stranger to you, I'm thinking. 

Donald. Now see here, Shelden, enough of your taunts, {sneers) 
I declare Shelden, this places you in a very awkard position indeed. 
Of course this deed will be thoroughly investigated. You will be the 
victim, 1 the only witness. 

Robert. What do you mean, sir? 

Donald. Is it not plain to be seen that you will be suspected? 

Robert. I suspected of murder? 

Donald. Of course, 'twovild naturally take that aspect. Did I not 
see you bending over tlie body, and did you not liave the knife in 
your hand when I entered? What better evidence is needed. 

Robert. Ah! you scheming villain, this is another way you seek 
to triumph over me? 

Donald. Call it what you may. Justice must^be done in this case. 
{looks off-L.) The Colonel and his servant are approaching — 

Robert. I must not be seen here — 

Donald. Preparing to flee, Shelden? Looks bad if you are an in- 
nocent man. {laughs 

Enter, Geoffery and Jasper, l. e. 

Geoff. (5<^^6^ Charity) What is the meaning of this scene? 

Donald. Murder! {ichispers to Jasper, who exits, r. e. 

Oeoff\ Murder — this woman murdered, and have you no clue? 
iincks u]) knife) A most cow^ardly deed, (looks at knife, starts back) 
Why, why this knife bears your name, Shelden. It can't be that 
you know anything about this dastardly deed? (Shelden starts 

Robert. No knowledge, Avhatever, sir! 

Donald. More perhaiDS than he wishes to own, Mr. Western. My 
evidence alone will convict him. {looks l.) Ah! here comes the 
officer. 

[to Officer) Sir! I found Shelden bending over this woman with 
the knife in his hand, arrest him. 

Enter, Officer, l. e. 

Officer. Robert Shelden, you may consider 3'ourself under arrest 
lor the murder of this lad}'. 

Enter, Jedediah and Isabel, r. e. 

Jed. Yes, he's here, I knowed we'd find him. {stops quickhi 

Isabel. Has the lady fainted? 



UNCLE JED'S FIDELITY. S3 

Geoff, {slowly) Isabel, my child, this scmip is a sad one. The one 
whom yon have loved, theone who lias l)l;»si("(l my h<ipes and caused 
me to drive you from home, stands yoiuler wiili a icrrible crime upon 
his soul. 

hahel. Father, has there been murder, and and did Pu^berl— no 
It'll mc it's not so. {f<(Us hack 

Itobert. Isabel, my darling — 

(hinff. SikMice. you scoundrel! Isabel, your poor father has 
sulfert'd en his account, but he comes for you to-day, and will wel- 
come yon baclv to the old home. {.s/iejoi/is hhu 

Jed. {infrontofJxOJi'EUT) Bob, my boy, I'm sorry for ye. Every- 
thing looks bad. Perhaps there's some mistake, we'll hope so any- 
how. 

liobert. Yes, there is a terrible mistake. Uncle Jed. 

Geoff'. Brother, see he's a murderer now. 

liohert. In the sight of the world perhaps, but not in the sight of 
the Great Judge, {starts foricard) Isabel, have you not one parting 
look, one last word to cheer me and give me courage? 

Isabel, {turns away) No, no, father take me from this place. 

(t'.ivY, IsABKT; and Geoffery, T;. e. 

liohert. {((mh) She too turns from me, the one whom I hoped and 
prayed would not believe me guilt3\ Oh ! I care not what becomes 
of me now. 

Donald. Robert Shelden, you have my sincere sympathy. Yon 
have lost your lady love. If I can do anything to uphold you in her 
eyes, I'll do it gladly, {laiirjhs, looks t,.) Ah! there she goes now, a 
good time to begin. " I'll join them; but no, I must wait and see you 
safely otf. 

Officer. We must go. If you have any directions to leave, you 
may do so. 

liohert. Uncle Jed, I yet have hopes. Tell brother James that I 
am accused of murder. Thank heaven, there's no mother's heart to 
break, no father's name to ruin forever, but I tell you Uncle Jed. as 
they look over the portals of heaven, they know where the gnilt lies. 
I am ready. {exit, Robekt and Officer, l. e. 

Jed. And this is the boy I've called, my Bob? xVccused of murder. 
But this woman in black, what could Bob know of her? 

Donald. A great deal wdiich he did not choose to tell. 

Jed. Seems so, sir! but don't mind me. I can't drive ye from t)tf 
this green earth, so I'll go myself. {exit, \\. e. 

Donald, {laughs) Alone again, after passing through thisdramat- 
ic scene; but no, here comes the devil again. 

Enter, Peregrine, l. e. 

Per. I met the Officer with Bob Shelden. {sees Charity) Oh! I 
see, there's been murder here and Shelden is accused! By whom? 

Dojiald. Me sir! 

Per. {sneers) You! Some of your devilish Avork, eh? Are you 
sure, Donald Reeves, that this {points to Qyixwitx) is not some of 
your work? 

Donald. Sir! Dare you insinuate. 

Per. Not hardl}", Reeves, for fear that you might take a notion to 
put an end to my miserable existence. Remember, I understand 
you perfectly. You killed that woman — your wife! 

TAB LEA U-CUR TA m. 



UNCLE JED-b FIDELITY. 
ACT III. 
36 of one month. 



SCENE. — Same as Act 1st. — Polly seated at table, head on hand in 
reclining j^ositioit . 

Polly. (sigJis) [j Oh I wliat a change in six month's time. Only 
Ihinlv 'twas six months ago to-day, tliat James came back from tht; 
West and — and told me that he loved me still — but — but now he 
can't — can't spend time to notice me, but I suppose he's so busy 
tryin' to get poor Bob pardoned out of jail. Poor boy, I know he 
ain't guilty, but before another three months, there'll be no Robert 
Shelden, .for he's to be hanged, and that will about break poor James's 
heart and mine too. {crys) Boo-hoo! 

Enter, James, c. e. 

James. Now look here, Polly, six months ago, I entered this same 
room and found you iji this same condition. 

Polly, (jumps) And do you care for your own dear Polly, just— 
iust as much as you did then? 

James. More, my dear. 

Polly. But James, Robert— 

James. Robert! (joyfully) I came to tell you, Polly! You'll not 
lisp a word? 

Polly. Not a one! 

James. Well my dear, there's one vacant cell in yonder jail, but 
to-night, we are in hopes, it will be occux^ied by Donald Reeves. 

IMly. Why James, you can't mean that Robert is free, innocent? 

James. Yes, yes! There, I've said too much. Don't ask me any 
more, Polly. There'll be startling disclosures here to-day. It's a 
secret now. Not a word. 

Polly. Why James, I never— 

James. I'm just happy, Polly, that's all. Just dropped in to pre- 
pare you for a genuine surprise, (at door) My lips are sealed, my 
eyes are pealed; the cards have been dealed and this sham revealed 
— ta-ta. (^■'>^ii, c. E. 

Polly. The cruel heartless thing, how does he suppose I can un- 
derstand such nonsensical language? I declare, he's a nice actin' 
thing for a man who's brother, is goin' to be hanged by the neck till 
he's^Iead. I can't understand it nohow. 

Enter, Peregiune, c. e., quicldy. 

Her. Don't try, my peach. Refer-it to me, I'm capable of solving 
it— ni't! 

Polly. You! 

Per. Yes, me! Do you doubt my truth and veracity ? Ah; my 
fair Cinderella — 

PolU/. Don't Cinderella me, sir! You're too fresh, sir! :vnd Idon't 
care that (snaps finger) for fresh young men. (e.vit, u. v.. , pompoudy 

Per. (dropping into chair) What along tailour cat's got. Wouldn't, 
that poach an egg? She's dead stuck on me— that is, I think slie 



UNCLE JED'S FID E 1. 1 T Y. S3 

could learn to love me in time. Oh: but then there are others. 
{looks a-round room) And so tliLs is Col. Western's mansion, and it's 
fit for the queen that reigns here. 

Enter, Isabel a)id Donald, c. e., do not see Perp:gkine. 

Donald. And only tothinlc, Isabel, only one short week before our 
marriage. 

Isabel {a- ith surprise) So soon! I had nearly forgotten— 

Donald. How could you, Isabel. I count the moments, everyone— 
{sees Peregrine) Well sir! what do you want? 

Per. Keep on courting. Reeves, you're doing handsomely, but 
perhaps you are counting your chickens before they're liatched. 

Donald. Leave me with this man, Isabel, and I will see what h<' 
wants. {e.vit, Isabel, r. e.) Now see here, Splatter, this is a pretty 
mess. 

Per. Not at all. Then you intend to«marry her, do you? 

Donald. Yes, sir! one week from to-day. 

Per. Going to keep her in the same grand style you did your 
previous wife? 

Donald. Hush, sir! you will be overheard. 

Per. Very well. You hadn't thought, Reeves, that there might, 
perhaps, something happen to prevent this marriage. 

Donald Sir! you have not opened your accursed mouth? K you 
have, I've a mind to end your worthless Ijfe. 

Per. Worthless, eh! I'd give more for it to-day than for yours, 
.lust think of it, I would be victim number three. 

Donald. Do you mean to insinuate that I murdered her? 

Per. (rises) There is no need for insinuation, when the trnth is 
known. 

Donald, {rushes at Mm) You base hypocrite! 

(Peregrine pusJies him across stage 

Pere. {at door) From this day on, Donald Reeves, we are quils. 
Look well to your plans, lest they get nipped in the bud. {e.nt, c. e. 

Donald. Curse him, he means mischief. AYhy did I allow my 
anger to carry me so far, but I'm not afraid. His confe.ssion is 
Avorthless. They would not believe it, Dan Fox is dead, and dead 
men tell no tales. {exit, r. e. 

Enter, Jedediah and Isabel, c. e. 

Jed. Yes, my dear, I have alius entertained a high opfrrfon of 
Bob, and no one regrets this terrible affair more than myself. 

Isabel. And is his guilt so fully proven, that there is no way tt) 
save him ? 

Jed. Can't tell, child, there may somethin' turn up; but say, 
Isabel, don't mind me, but what are that Donald Reeves intentions 
here? 

Isabel, {turns aicay) It's father's desire, Uncle Jed, that I become 
his wife. Oh! Uncle Jed, I am so miserable! 

Jed. There child, if this is your father's wish, I've no right to 
dissuade you; but — but remember, my child, if — if he should prove 
untrue to you — your L^ncle Jed will see that justice is done, but 
don't mind me. 

Isabel. I must go now, Uncle Jed, father is coming, and perhaps 



^6 UNCLE JEirH FIDELITY. 

he wishes to talk to you alone. {exit, l. e. 

Jed. (sits c.) So she's goin' to marry Donald Reeves? We'll, why 
should 1 say anything against it? I don't like his looks nohow. 

Enter, Geofpeky, r. e. 

Good-morning, Geoffery. 

Geoff. Good-morning, sir! 

Jed. (pulh oi/f. paper) Brotlier, I've come down this mornin' on a 
kinder charilal)lc mission. You heerd 'bout Ihe lightnin' strikin' 
• Inrin' the recent storm, didn't ye? 

Geoff\ I think so! 

Jed. "Well sir! it sirni-1;: I ho widder Jones' barn, rundown the side 
jiiid killed her liiiesi ,l(M-st'y heifer, tAVO settin' hens, and that old 
horse she uster drive. Some of my neighbors got together, and we 
raised a little money to kinder help the wddder out. 

Geoff\ {takes paper) Yes, I'll give. {^^igns 

Jed. 'Spose you ain't seen Bob lately? 

Geoff\ Yes, 1 sav/ the poor unfortunate at the jail yesterday. 1 
believe he has almost given up hopes himself. 

Jed. Poor Bob, I'd believe in his innocence, if the hull > world 
sw eared against him. 

Enter, Pekegrine, l. e., neatly dressed in a stylish suit, carries a satchel, 
which contains disguise icorn in previous scenes. 

Per. (c.) Back again in my old neighborhood, and you don't 
recognize me. 

Jed. {rises) Don't, eh? AVhy Setli Franklin, I'd know ye, if I saw 
ye at a circus. {shalces his hand 

Geoff'. And this is indeed Seth Franklin? Not much changed 
either, on taking the second glance. (shakes hands loith him 

Per. Yes, I'm not much changed. I'm back again from the 
boundless prairie to my old home. 

Jed. (laughing) 1 don't 'spose you came back to linish that book, 
on "How to be a successful farmer?" 

Per. (laughs) Not hardly. I have far better ideas, though on 
farming, than I had in those days, but I am here for a purpose far 
more important. 

Enter, Donald, ii. e. 

Donald. Mr. Western— (Peregrine turns about) My God, Dan 
Fox! 

Per. Yes, Dan Fo.v, an old acquaintance of yours. 

Donald, (nervously) Why, I thought you dead! 

Per. (laughs) Dead, eh! How foolish to think that Dan Fox 
would die while there Avas justice to be done. 

Enter, Isabei., Robert, Polly cuul James, r. e. 

Geoff. Great heavens! Robert Shelden, can this be you? How 
came you here? 

Isabel. Father, he comes as a free man. The guilt lies elsewhere. 

Donald. Mr. Western, you are blind that you do not order the 
arrest of that murderer, Robert Shelden. 



UNCLE JED'S FIDELITY. 27 

James, {draws rei^oUer) Not so fast, Donald Reeves! For the lime 
beins:, just imao-ine that you are my prisoner, and dare to make a 
single suspicious move and I'll blow the life out of you without a 
moment's hesitation. 

Donald. Mr. AVestern, this is some base plot concocted simply to 
involve me. I sliould like to know on what charge you arrest me? 

Per. {steps for ward) I'll explain: Not only is this man guilty of 
murder in Texas, but of a similar crime in this village, {takes paper 
from pocket) I refer to the woman in black, who, by the way, Avas 
his own wife. 

Donald. 'Tis false, sir! every word. 

Per. Not a word of it. As Dan Fox, I witnessed your crime in 
Texas, and as Peregrine Splatter, the remains of which is before 
you, {opens satchel and dispLnjs disguise) I witnessed the murder of 
vour wife. 

James, {takes Peueohine'.s Jiand) Dan Fox, by jove! and I saved 
vour life once. 

Per. You did, sir! and Poet Jimmy, 1 recognized you the momiMit 
I saw you. 

James. Ah! Donald Reeves, I've a mind to blow you out of exis- 
tence. (Jedediah takes Ms arm 

Jed. Don't mind me, Jim, but handle him carefully, 'twould give 
me more satisfaction ter see his neck stretched. 

Oeoff. And so Donald Reeves, you are found out, thank (Jod, in 
time "to save my daughter from disgrace. 

Donald. And so you believe their stories, eh? As for you, Robert 
Shelden, you have suffered, but not half enough, {at c. ^.) My 
curses upon you all. (Officer leads him out c. e. . 

Creoff. You have been cruelly wronged, Robert, Isabell, all caused 
by my blindness. Take her Robert, you have won her nobly. 

Jed. Fve looked fer just such a scene as this, brother. 1 said 
everything would turn out all right, and so it has, and we'll all lool< 
for happiness in the future. 

Robert. Yes, now that the dark clouds have passed away, wo will 
forget the past and hope that tlie future may be brighter. 

{joins Isabel — James and Polly come doicn hand in hand 

Jiimes. My dear Colonel Western, you have no doubt noticed, ere 
this, that Polly and I— 

Geoff, {interrupting) Haven't I though? To save further ;argu- 
ment, I'll consent at once, the rest remains with Polly. 

James. What do you say, Polly? 

Polly. Yes! yes! yes! 

James. Very well! Who's next? 

Jed. I guess Jim, you're the last, Now that everything is all 
fixed satisfactory, it is the wish of your Uncle Jed, that no more 
dark shadows may come inter your lii'e and drive out the "happiness, 
and that you'll all resolve to be your brother's keeper from now on. 

Per. There's my hand on it, Jed. (they shake) I'x'e come home 
to stay and take up work again on tho old farm, no longer as Dan 
Fox, but as Seth Franklin, a cowboy farmer, and Jed, you come over 
some day, and I'll teach you how to shoot flies off a hen's ear. 

CURTAIN. 

the end. 



THE LiaMMEHCiai 

DRUMMER. 



A Drama in 3 Acts, by Thorn Melross, for 6 male aod 
2 female characters. This piece is immense. It is printe<l 
from the author's original manuscript, and has been pro- 
duced with great success by the American Theatre Co. 
SYNOPSIS. 

ACT r. Home of the late Richard Marlow. Interview between 
Frank Ross and Lawyer Dadlex'. The pious deacon and Verda 
iMider. Reading the will. Joe's dog collar. Jlichard Marlow, the 
lal>e heir. The child of tlie Dark Continent in trouble. Three 
villains. '"Ten thousand to silence my tongue!" Zadle, the de- 
serted wife of John Dudley. An attempted murder. Joe's little 
'•barkei-^' interferes. Deacon and Joe. Frank and Verda; his 
resolve to become a "Commercial Drummer." Zadie gives Verda a 
home. Mr. Dudley's proposal to Verda, and the misunderstanding. 
Murder of Deacon Foote, and Frank accused. The struggle, *'life 
or death 1" 

ACT 11. Zadie, Verda, and the tramp. "Painted benches.'* 
"My kingdom for some soup!" Booth and Zadie. Attempted 
murder of Zadie; Ashtor, the tramp interferes, and makes Dudley 
hand over a "William." Booth and the Indian. Too much beer. 
The stolen will. Joe in the barrel. Target shooting. Verda's 
refusal to marry Dudley. Abduction of Verda, and Joe knocked 
down. 

ACT III. Ashtor and Booth. Corn plasters; "There's millions 
in them!" Olie, the Swede. Zadie, the Census taker. Two 
"bummers!" Rescue of Verda by Zadie. Fraidc discovered by 
Richard, as Booth. "He must die!" A job for Olie. "In the 
soup!'* Hot and cold boxe>!. Olie and Booth to the rescue of 
Zadie. Explanations. A new version of McGinty. A love scene. 
Capture of Verda. Supposed death of Booth. Fright and death of 
Dudley. Capture of Richard. Frank and Verda secure the fortune 
at last. Zadie avenged and the "Commercial Drummer" sells corn 
plasters no more. 



THE 

IntGlligEncG DfficE. 

An original Ethiopian Sketch in 1 Scene for 3 male char 

acters — as produced at Tony Pastor's Opera House. 
This sketch is extremely ludicrous — costumes modern- 
time in representation 15 minutes. 



Bert C. Rawley's Latest Piay, EntLled 



^-^ 



HE F rEEMAW 

Mill Strike. 



A Comedy Drama in 3 acts. 7 male and 1 female charac 

ier. Time of performance 1 hour and 20 minides. 

Costumes io suit characters. 



■ -:: SYNOPSIS OF SVEmS. :^^-- 

ACTI. ^cne /.—Russell Freeman's home— The day's events reviewed— The 
reporter in luck— A brave rescne— "Juicy -watermillions"— The Aristocratic 
;:ent arrives — That awful disease love, afflicts Sambo— Cjsleb overhears a little 
private conversation— A strike imminent— Sharp begins his scheming— Caleb 
lip to snuff- I'm an aristocrat, one of the 400!" Seme 7/.— Caleb soliloquizes— 
••[ am Paradise Lost!" — A heated interview between (iolden and Sliarp— The 
.lemand refused— Tar and feathers— Tlie aristocrat on deck— The verdict— "No 
rnxise of action!" — Caleb introduces his celebrated court plaster. 

ACT II.— Caleb writes a letter— The Reporter discusses the strike and "Sound 
Money"— "Knocks counterfeit silly"— Caleb's views of the strike— A dark dis- 
.•assion, in which Dinah is badly misused— The false friend— "My day will come, 
sir!"— Caleb Cork— "Oh! I'm onto you"— Sambo secures his 'tachment papers— 
'I'lie false friend in a new sole— Golden discharged from the mill— Shari) 
li-inmphant, and Caleb sells more court plaster. 

ACT III. ic<^"e /-—Wood scene— Guy prepares to leave, visions of the past— 
Tlie Aristocrat again on hand— ''Turn back, my lad"- Dinah grains a point, and 
Sambo nearly looses his ear— The striker's face starvation— Sliarp in the toils 

Tiie trap sprung. Scene 11. — Freeman's home — Colored courtship — Caleb Cork 
as a peace maker — Golden'S' story — Warren Sharp in the liands of the strikers 

David tell a story, Caleb follows suit— The day of reckoning— Warren Sharp 
i.-aves in disgrace— The Reporter puzzled— Guy is reinstated at the mill— Caleb 
presents the reporter of the Daily Grit with one of his double jointed, double 
action, stick tight court plasters. 

PRICE 15 CENTS EACH- 



Ames' Series of Medleys No. 2. 

Suitable for schools and home entertainments, by B. F. Eberhart. 
This No. contains a number of short dialogues and recita- 
tions, suitable for young people from 8 to 16 years. 
No stage scenery necessary, and is not 
difficult to render. 



Contains the folloAving pieces: A Welcome Dialogue; A Ten 
Cent Fool; Baby's Tooth; George AVashington: Playing "Grown-up;" 
l^aby Elephant; Pantomimes, Wanted an Office Boy and a New 
Kind of Partition. Price IScts. 



FUN! FUN!! FUNIII 

THE FUNNIEST COMEDY YET— JUST PUBLISHED, 
ENTITLED 

-^ CAPTURED;^ 

OR. 

The Old Maid's Triumph. 

Four Acts— Four Male, Five Female Characters. 



Scenery Easily Managed. Costumes Modern. Characters all 

Good. Telling Situations. Susan Tabitha (the old Maid) 

takes the Audience by Storm, as she tries to marry 

every man she meets; if he donH propose she 

does; final success of Susan. If you -want 

a play that is full of fun, and 

sure to please you, order a 

copy of CAPTURED. 

FRICE 15 CENTS. 

j^CT I, — Home of the Windchester's — Frank WestfielJ — Arrival 
of the '-Old Maid" ; 'Tm tickled een-a-most to death to see you !" 
''Mother Goose's Melodies" — Susan's experience in the stage coach. 
"Only twenty-four, brother." — Christopher Columbas! where am I 
going?" — "I see you, Frankie." — Susan's opinion of Jane. — Polly — 
Amusing love scene between Susan and Frank Westfield — his aston- 
ishment and terror, as she faints in his arms. — Tableau. 

Act II. — Susan's explanation. — "Slang Debolishers Union"— 
"You'd better begin at home!" — A widower — "Good land! if I 
could not get something better than a widower, I wouldn't feel fit to 
soar to the land of milk and honey !"— Sam Sly, Polly's lover, who 
is a widower. — "If he does not propose, 7 will!" — Susan and Sam 
Sly.— Love scene between Polly and Sly, which Susan discovers. 
Her anger, and fall.— Susan and Sly loose their wigs. 

Act III.— Joshua Pratt.— Susan's fear of men. — "Help! help!" 
Discovers Joshua — Ridiculous love scene between Susan and Joshua. 
"There's nothing half so sweet in life, as love's young dream. "-Rats. 
"Help! thieves!" — "It might run up my leg I" — The rescue — 
Susan announces her engagement and determination to go home and 
get married. — The departure. 

Act IV. — Home of Susan Tabitha—Sallie— Discovery of Joshua's 
poverty—Susan's anger and disappointment~"Can we get up ?"-Susan 
cuffs Joshua's ears— Dinner— "Can we eat dinner?"— Susan relates 
her experience to Sallie — Telegram — Arrival and cool reception of 
Charles Westfield and wife— Joshua sleeps— Susan knocks over his 
chair, pulls his hair— A bank check— Susan's promise.— Happy 
ending. 



JUST OUT-A New Temperance Play ! 

■ ♦ ■ 

Unt; the JVIinEr's Uaughter, 

OR, 

DnB Glass nf WinG. 

IN FOUR ACTS. 

D BAM AT IS PEBSONuE. 

David Mason A farmer. 

Hkriiert Mason David'' s son— just from college. 

EoYAL Meadows Foster-son of Mrs. Clifton. 

Artjiur Floyd A •villain. 

Georgie Clifton A returned Californian. 

Parson Swift An astonished clergyman. 

Bill Torry A boatman — Floyd^s confedeiate. 

Brewster Police oficer. 

Ebony A colored individual. 

Mrs. Mason David's wife — a good adviser. 

Dolores ? The miner's daughter. 

Mrs. Clifton George Clifton's deserted wife. 

AVinnifred Clifton Mrs. Clifton'' s daughter. 

Hapzib AH A lady of color. 



Festival nf Days. 

A NEW AND OBIGINAL SEBIL'S OF TABLEAUX. 
It is especially clesigned for Ainatoiir Companies, as It re- 
quires only a platform, no seeuery being necessary 
for its production. Mirlli and Sadness are 
well combined. Costumes Modern. 
Time one liour. The following 
are tlie days represented. 
Price 15 Cents— Order a Copy. 

CHARACTERS. 

Reader. 

New Year Chorus of girls in white. 

Washington's Birthday George Washington. 

Valentine's Day Maiden and lover. 

St. Patrick's Day Chorus of boys. 

Washing Day Girls at tubs. 

House-Cleaning Day Man and woman. 

April Fool's Day Old maid, and little boy. 

Ash Wednesday Monk. 

Good Friday Women at cross. 

Easter Chorus of girls in white. 

May Day May queen, chorus of children. 

Memorial Day Two soldiers. 

July Fourth Uncle Sam, boys. 

Emancipation Day Darkey, 

Hallowk'en '.'.'.Group of girls'. 

Thanksgiving Day 3{an, little girl. 

Christmas Group of children. 



Katie's Deception; 






-ORr 



The Troublesome Kid \ 

2 

2 


Farce in 1 act, by W. L. Bennett, 4 male and 2 fe^tofcharaclers'J 
Costumes modem. Time of playing, 30 minutesT^ bright i 
sparkling farci- I'or amateurs. Good negro charac- 
ter. Farmer from "Way back" answers 
Katie's matrimonial advertisement. 
Characters are all good. 
Price 15 cents. 



Our Family Umbrella. 

A Comedietta in 3 acts, by E. E. Cleveland, 4 male and 2 fqmale 
characters. Scenery interior. Costumes modern. The old man 
character is excellent, is alway buying umbrellas, but never has one 
when needed. Amateurs will find this a good after-piece. 

Price 15c. 



Yacob's Hotel Experience. 

Farce in 1 act by B. F. Eberhart, 3 male characters. Time of 
playing 20 minutes. This will make a good after-piece. The dutch- 
man is immense. His experience dn a first class hotel is uproarously 
funny — 

HOME RULE. 

A Charade in 2 scenes, by the author of Yacob's Hotel E.^erience, 

8 male and 3 female characters. Time of playing 

20 minutes. Price 15 cents. 

Joan of Arc Drill. 

A Spectacular Shepherd drill for 8 to 16 girls, by B. F. 
Eberhart. This drill is simple and easy to get up, requiring no 
scenery, can be produced indoor or out, no special music is needed 
in the march. Costume, Shepherd girls dress— girls carry a 
Shepherd's crook. A diagram gives the line of march, so it is easily 
understood. Ends with a tableau of Joan of Arc at the stake. 

Pri^e 15 cents. 



—^ 



Ernes' Plays— G antlnuad. 



v34 
^36 
168 

124 
257 
248 
>178 
176 
207 
199 
174 
158 
149 
37 
237 
338 
126 
265 
114 
264 

219 
239 
221 
262 
87 
131 
\ 240 



16 



, )ur Awful Aunt | ^ 

Out in the Streets ^ 4 

Rescued g ^ 

Saved 2 3 

Turn of the Tide 7 4 

Three G4aPses a Day^. 4 ^ 

Ten Nights in a Bar-Room... 7 6 

Wrecked 9 3 

com:ebies. 

A Day In A Doctor's Office... 5 

A Legal Holiday , S 

A Pleasure Trip « I 

An Afflicted Faniily 7 

Caught in the Aet ' 

Captured 6 

Cast« 5 

Factory Girl o 

Heroic Dutchman of to o 

Home 4 

Love's Labor Not Lost o 

Mr.Hudson's Ti?rer Hunt 1 

New Years in N. Y 

Not So Bad After All 

Not Such a Fool as He Looks 

Our B lys 

Our Daughters 

Pug and the Baby 



1 
3 
3 
5 
3 
4 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
1 
7 6 
6 5 



6 4 

8 6 

5 3 

8 4 
Prof. Jaraes' Experience 

Teachine Country School 4 3 

Rags and Bottles 4 1 

Scale with Sharps and Flats.. 3 2 

Solon Shingle 14 2 

Two Bad Boys 7 3 



The Biter Bit. 

The Cigarette... 

$2,000 Reward 

TRAGEDIES. 
The Serf 



6 3 

I PARCES&COMEDIETTAS. 

I 129 Aa.r-u-a«-oos 2 1 

,132 Actor and Servant 1 1 

^ 316 Aunt Charlotte's Maid 3 3 

i' 289 A, Colonel's Misiiap 5 

' 12 A Capital Match 3 2 

i 303 A Kiss in the Dark 2 "^ 

" 166 ATexan Mother-in-Law 4 

' 30 A Day Well Spent..... 7 

"> A Regular Fix 2 

\ Profes-sional (lardener 4 

'n,rmingly Suspicious 4 

'"u A Mild lie 3 

' 1 Criminal 3 

■vking Fatlier 2 



Public, 
♦tachment. 



84 

287 

225 

317 

249 

49 

72 

19 

220 

188 

42 

148 

218 

224 

2« 

154 

184 

274 

2U9 

13 

307 

66 
271 
116 
120 

50 
140 

74 

35 
247 

95 
305 
?99 

11 
323 

9:^ 

82 
182 
127 
228 
302 

106 

288 

139 

231 

2a5 

69 

23 

208 

212 

32 

186 

273 

296 

259 

340 

334 

44 

33 



K. r. 

Better Half 5 2 

Black vs. White | 2 

Captain Smith ~ 3 i 

Cheek Will Win 3 

Cousin Josiah 1 1 

Cupids Capers 4 * 

Cleveland's Reception Party. 5 ^ 

Double Election 9 1 

Der Two Surprises 1 1 

Deuce is in Him 9 i 

Did I Dream it 4 3 

Dutchy vs. Nigger 3 

Dutch Prize Fighter 3 

Domestic Felicity 1 } 

Eh? What Did You Say 3 1 

Everj'body Astonished 4 

Fooling with the Wrong Man 2 1 
Freezing a Moiher-in-Law... 2 1 

Fun in a Post Office 4 2 

Family Discipline 1 

Family Jars 5 2 

Goose with the Golden Eggs.. 5 3 

Give Me My Wife 3 3 

HaUabahoola, the Medicine 

Man i 8 

Hans, the Dutch J. P 3 1 

Hans Brummel's Cafe 5 

Hash j 2 

H. M.S. Plum 1 1 

How She has Own Way 1 3 

How He Popped the Quest'n. 1 1 

How to Tame M-in-Law 4 2 

How Stout Your Getting 5 2 

Incompatibility of Temper... 1 2 

In the Wrong Clothes & 8 

Jacob Shlafi's Mistake 3 2 

Jimmie Jones 3 2 

John Smith 5 3 

Johnnes Blatz's Mistake 4 a 

Jumbo Jum f 8 

Killing Time 1 1 

Kittie's Wedding Cake 1 3 

Lick Skillet Wedding 2 2 

Lauderbach's LitL'e Surprise 3 
Locked in a Dressmaker's 

Room 3 2 

Lodgings for Two 3 U 

Love in all Corners 5 ^ 

Matrimonial Bliss 1 1 

Match for a other-Min-Law.. 2 2 

More Blunders than one 4 3 

Mother's Fool " \ 

My Heart's in Highlands 4 6 

My Precious Betsey * * 

My Turn Next f 6 

My Wife's Relations 4 4 

My Day and Now-a-Days 1 

My Neighbor's Wife 3 i 

Nanka's Leap Year Venture.. 5 ^ 

Nobody's Moke 5 ^ 

Our Hotel 5 3 

Olivet S ^ 

Obedience — 1 ^ 

On the Sly 3 



2_ 

rG 



iLmes' Plays 



-.S!^^ °^ CONGRESS 

016 1 65 688 4 ^ 



NO. 

57 
217 
165 
195 
159 
171 
180 
267 
309 

48 
138 
115 

55 
327 
232 
241 
270 
1 
326 
339 
137 
328 
252 
315 

40 

38 
101 
167 
291 



285 
68 
295 
54 
28 
292 
142 
276 
263 
7 
281 
312 
269 
170 
213 
332 
151 
56 
70 
135 
147 
155 

111 
157 



17 
180 



215 



Paddy Miles' Boy 5 2 

Patent Washing Machine 4 1 

Persecuted Dutchman 6 3 

PoorPilicody 2 3 

Quiet Family 4 4 

Rough Diamond 4 3 

Ripples 2 

Room 44 2 

Santa Glaus' Daughter 5 4 

Schnaps 1 1 

Sewing Circle of Period 5 

S. H. A. M. Pinafore 3 3 

Somebody's Nobody 3 2 

Strictly Temperance 2 2 

Stage Struck Yankee 4 2 

Struck by Lightning 2 2 

Slick and Skinner 5 

Slasher and Crasher 5 2 

Too Many Cousins 3 3 

Two Gentlemen in a Fix 2 



Taking the Census 

The Landlords Revenge 3 

That Awful Carpet Bag 3 

That Rascal Pat 3 

That Mysterious B'dle 2 

The Bewitched Closet 5 

The Coming Man 3 

Turn Him Out 3 

The Actor's Scheme 4 

The Irish Squire of Squash 

Ridge 4 

The Mashers Mashed 5 

The Sham Professor 4 

The Spellin' Skewl 7 

The Two T.J's 4 2 

Thirty-three Next Birthday.. 4 2 

Tim Flannigan 5 

Tit for Tat 2 

The Printer and His Devils.. 3 
Trials of a Country Editor..., 6 
The Wonderful Telephone.... 3 

Two Aunt Emilys 

Uncle Ethan 4 

Unnust Justice 6 

U. S. Mail ^ 2 2 

Vermont Wool Dealer 5 3 

"Which is Which 3 

Wanted a Husband 2 

Wooing Under DiflBcultie'' 5 

Which will he Marry 2 

Widower's Trials 4 

Waking Him Up 1 

Why they Joined the Re- 
beccas 

Yankee Duelist 3 

Yankee Peddler 7 



GUIDE BOOKS. 

Hints on Elocution 

Hints to Amateurs 

CANTATA. 
On to Victory ~^.... 



li. 



The Little^Gem Make-Up Bo 



NO. . M. 

ETHIOPIAN FARCES 

204 Academy of Stars i 

325 A Coincidence 8 

65 An Unwelcome Return 3 

15 An Unhappy Pair 1 

172 Black Shoemaker 4 

98 Black Statue 4 

22 Colored Senators 3 

214 Chops 3 

145 Cuff's Luck 2 

190 Crimps Trip 5 

27 Fetter Lane to Gravesend 2 

153 Haunted House 2 

230 Hamlet the Dainty 6 

103 How Sister Paxey got her 

Child Baptized 2 

24 Handy Andy 2 

236 Hypochondriac The 2 

319 In For It 3 

47 In the Wrong Box 3 

77 Joe's Visit 2 

88 Mischievous Nigger 4 

256 Midnight Colic 2 

128 Musical Darkey 2 

90 No Cure No Pay 3 

61 Not as Deaf as He Seems 3 

244 Old Clothes 3 

234 Old Dad's Cabin 2 

150 OldPoinpey 1 

246 Othello 4 

109 Other People's Children 3 

297 Pomp Green's Snakes 2 

134 Pomp's Pranks 2 

258 Prof. Bones'Latest Invention 5 

177 Quarrelsome Servants >, 3 

96 Rooms to Let 2 

107 School 5 

133 Seeing Bosting 3 

179 Sham Doctor 3 

94 16.000 Years Ago 3 

243 Sports on a Lark 3 

25 Sport with a Sportsman 2 

92 Stage Struck Darkey 2 

238 Strawberry Shortcake 2 

10 Stocks Up, Stocks Down 2 

64 That Boy Sam 3 

253 The Best Cure 4 

282 The Intelligence Office 3 

122 The Select School 5 

118 The Popcorn Man 3 

6 The Studio 3 

108 Those Awful Boys 5 

245 Ticket Taker '' 

4 Twain's Dodging * 

197 Tricks 

198 Uncle Jeff 

216 Vice Versa 

206 Villkens and Dir 

210 Virginia Mumr i^^^ -r tti 

203 Who Stole tv-^^' ^7 ^- ^■ 

205 William Tp, i-iMiuiring- no 
156 Wig-M^i music is needed 

aress— girls carry a 
■a of march/so it is easily 



C/3 



(J^p 



I of Arc at the stake. 

Price 15 cents. 



